1. Veterans have found it better to save up their limited training time and ride longer days over 75 miles two times per week instead of short rides everyday.

2. Begin some of your training rides at sunrise. Ride in the heat, rain and wind and be use to a variety of weather conditions.

3. Participate in several weekend group events and be comfortable riding with others. Most PAC Tour participants ride in groups with 3-4 other riders.

4. Use the bike you will be riding on PAC Tour during your longer training events. Get your arm supports, shoes and saddle adjusted before the tour.

5. Ride back-to-back long days over 100 miles as often as possible, but stay within your weekly mileage goal. Riding consecutive long hard days in training is the key to feeling good on PAC Tour.

6. Be comfortable training 200-350 miles per week for the ten weeks before the tour. Get ready gradually...during our cross country tour you will ride 900 miles per week.

7. Don't forget your speed...each workout should include some rolling hills to sprint up, some farm dogs that chase or some fast tail wind sections to help you push a big gear.

8. Ride 200 miles in less that 14 hours at least twice before the tour. Warning: this is a minimum standard. Most PAC Tour riders can ride it in under twelve hours and some can ride 200 miles in under ten hours in preparation for their coast to coast event.

9. If you develope hot foot during training you may want to review Lon's suggestions on relieving foot pain.

Three Months Before PAC Tour:

150-200 miles per week

One day per week over 100 miles

One long 150 mile ride during the month

Hang in the back of a fast group (20+ MPH) 30 miles per week

Two Months Before PAC Tour:

200-250 miles per week

One or two days per week over 100 miles

One 200 mile ride during the month

Ride in the middle of a fast group 30 miles per week

One Month Before PAC Tour:

250 - 350 miles per week

Two days per week over 100 miles

Ride a 200 mile event under 14 hours

Ride in the front of a fast group for 30 miles per week

One Week Before PAC Tour:

Ride enough to keep your legs fit but rested

Get plenty of sleep.

Install a new chain, free wheel and tires

Pack your gearbag two days before you leave make sure it weighs less than 40 lbs.

If possible arrive at the start a day early so you are not feeling rushed before beginning your cross country tour.